Many in the public think of structural engineering as a complex accounting problem involving tedious calculations of loads and stresses. In reality, good structural engineering involves much more than applied mathematics. Good structural engineering also requires an understanding of the proposed and potential uses of buildings being designed or renovated, construction processes, material performance in different environments, and coordination with other design disciplines. You will learn about common problems that can develop in structural designs so that you can be better prepared to avoid them.

Learning Objectives

- You will be able to define the most common types of failure of structural systems.

- You will be able to describe the importance of identifying the numerous considerations that go into designing structural systems.

- You will be able to recognize that structural engineering involves much more than identifying loads and limiting stresses.

- You will be able to review structural engineering design concepts with an educated critical eye.